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Obituary for Gloria Sirhan
Gloria Sirhan (nee Barham) of Macomb Twp., MI died peacefully on July 29, 2020 at the age of 92. She was born on March 5, 1928 in New Kensington, PA.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Gloria is remembered for her sense of humor, thoughtfulness, kindness, optimism, and generosity. She is described as loving, supportive, courageous, gentle, a gift, a true and beautiful lady, a favorite aunt, and a “stand-in” mom. She never had an ill word to say to anyone. She was very deeply loved and will be greatly missed by many.
Gloria had two great blessings/joys in life. First, was her family. Her greatest delight was in three generations of family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren. She opened her home to many in-laws as they immigrated and settled in the Detroit area. She also took primary care of her mother for many years. She loved to entertain and around 30 years ago started the continuing tradition of an annual Barham family Christmas party.
Her second joy was ballroom dancing which she started in the 1960’s. Dancing for her was pleasure/fun, social connections and exercise. We fondly remember that after widowed in 1983, she used to “’sneak out of the house” while under the ever watchful eye of her mother to go dancing. She always had dance partners lining up. She danced until she was 90 years old and we picture her now ballroom dancing on streets of gold in heaven.
Gloria also enjoyed travel, including trips to the Holy Land and Taybeh (Palestine) to visit family, Spain, Italy, cruises, a trip to Hong Kong with her daughters, California, and wintering in Florida. She loved to read the funnies and often sent clippings to family and friends. She enjoyed Arabic cooking and baking. Her grape leaves and Arabic bread were legendary and she took great pleasure in seeing these culinary traditions passed on through her grandchildren.
She was also active in her church for over 50 years and her volunteer service was recognized in 1993 by the Archdiocese. Gloria always blessed anyone who entered a room and turned the lights on by saying “May His light shine upon you.”
She is preceded by her husband Awad Sirhan, her parents Elias and Helene Barham and sisters Miriam and Jeanie. She is survived by her loving children, Dolly (Alan) Daniell, Eddy (Ibtisam), Dorothy (Robert) Menard, and John (Cheryl). She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Christopher (Kristen), Jordan (Rachel), Andrew (Christine), Janan (Rachel), and Stephanie (Michael); her great- grandchildren Eloise, Emma, Ava, and Weston; her sisters Jeannette, Rose Marie, and Eleanor; and many nieces and nephews.
Burial will be a private service at Resurrection Cemetery on July 31, 2020. Memorials may be sent to St. George Orthodox Church, 2160 East Maple Road, Troy, MI 48048.
